Penne Pasta with Ground Beef

Ground beef with pasta is an American twist on Italian tradition but it captures the authentic spirit of letting simple ingredients sing. There are hundreds of ways you could use this standard ground beef sauce and it’s a good one to keep making until you’ve got it just the way you want.

For this recipe for penne pasta with ground beef, spinach and mozzarella provide the surprise touch. The result is a creamy, thick casserole you’ll love the first time, come straight back to for a second serving and still sneak downstairs for at night to pick at in the refrigerator.

Ingredients for Penne Pasta with Ground Beef

• Uncooked penne pasta: This pasta variety is readily available, holds a sauce well and still has a bit of bite to it when cooked.
• Ground beef: You’ll still get plenty of flavor from a lean (90%) ground beef, but fattier alternatives will do.
• Garlic: Minced garlic adds a touch of fragrance to this recipe for penne pasta with ground beef.
• Tomato puree: A can of puree (or diced tomato) provides the base of the sauce.
• Beef broth: This will thicken as it simmers and give the sauce a meaty background.
• Italian seasoning: Use ready-made or make your own with dried herbs.
• Worcestershire sauce: This curious condiment always adds saltiness and umami to a dish.
• Salt: This seasoning brings out the flavors in any recipe.
• Pepper: Try freshly ground black pepper for the best results.
• Fresh spinach: Chop and wash some baby leaf spinach or packaged variety, discarding any brown leaves.
• Mozzarella cheese: Part-skimmed shredded mozzarella adds creaminess to the pasta and beef as it melts.

Directions

Step 1: Boil the pasta and brown the beef

Cook the penne pasta in salted water until tender. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook beef for six to eight minutes over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Break it into crumbles to encourage browning. Add the minced garlic and cook 1 minute longer. Drain any excess liquid and then stir in the tomato puree, beef broth, Italian seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper.

Step 2: Simmer the ground beef

Bring the ground beef and sauce to a boil and then reduce the heat. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened. Add the spinach and cook for one to two minutes until the leaves have wilted and shrunk.

Step 3: Combine the pasta and beef

Drain the pasta and stir it into the beef mixture. Sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese, cover and cook for three to four minutes until the cheese has melted.

Editor’s Tip: Reserve some of the starchy water from the pasta to mix back in or add a knob of butter to stop the pasta from sticking.

Recipe Variations

• Add cream: A dash of heavy cream added to the simmering broth gives you a voluptuous, and indulgent sauce that goes even better with the melted cheese.
• Make it spicy: You can add some red pepper flakes without overpowering the Italian seasoning and the result is a spicier flavor.
• Try other pasta: We’ve picked penne because you can always find it but any dry pasta shape will work just as well. However, the sauce and meat will slide off spaghetti or linguine.

How to Store Penne Pasta with Ground Beef

Allow to cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator where your pasta and ground beef will stay good for up to five days. Just re-top with cheese and reheat in the microwave when you’re ready for more.

Can you freeze penne pasta with ground beef?

The good news for batch cookers is that you can stockpile a supply this tasty penne pasta with ground beef in the freezer for up to three months. Allow the leftovers to cool, transfer to a freezer-friendly container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator when it’s time to eat.

Penne Pasta with Ground Beef Tips

Are there any alternatives to ground beef?

This is such a classic Italian dish that you’ll find lots of variations. So if you don’t want beef, try spicy Italian sausage, turkey sausage or a smoked sausage.

What can you serve with this recipe for penne pasta with ground beef?

Hearty comfort food like this is a substantial meal by itself. But if you’re sitting down as a group you might want to provide garlic bread, bruschetta, a light salad or some steamed vegetables as potential accompaniments.

Can I bake penne pasta with ground beef?

If you want to get that satisfying crunchy crust on top, follow the same steps as above but transfer the dish to the oven for no more than 15 minutes at 375°. You might have to add a little extra tomato to the sauce to stop the pasta below from drying out but you’ll have a tasty pasta bake at the end.